The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology  has revealed that biometric data of 98 per cent of expatriate workers in the Maldives has been collected under Operation Kurangi, as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen monitoring and regulation of the foreign workforce.

The operation involves collecting biometrically identifiable facial recognition photographs and 10 fingerprints of expatriate workers, while also identifying and deporting individuals residing in the Maldives without valid work permits or visas. Authorities stated that the initiative was launched under the direct supervision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Statistics released by the Government show that 295,678 work permits had been issued when the current Administration assumed office. That figure stood at 232,884 as of January 1 this year. The ministry also noted a significant reduction in pre-2012 work permits lacking verified authenticity, which fell from 86,741 in 2023 to 19,904 as of May 1.

The ministry further stated that the number of expatriate workers with verified work permits and paid visa and permit fees increased from 60,520 in November 2023 to 152,634 by May this year, raising compliance levels from 20 per cent to 66 per cent. Authorities added that the number of individuals residing under unpaid work permits declined from 235,158 to 80,250, representing 34 per cent of the expatriate workforce.

According to the ministry, only 13 per cent of expatriate workers with active permits had completed fingerprinting and facial recognition procedures in November 2023. That figure has now increased to 95 per cent, with 202,224 expatriates holding valid biometric records. The number of workers without biometric verification has fallen from 181,737 to 2,895.

The ministry stated that the third phase of Operation Kurangi will focus on locating and deporting expatriates without valid documentation, including the remaining 2,895 individuals who have yet to complete biometric registration requirements.